ASANTE KENTE CLOTH 1013, Ghana

This textile is in fair condition with a small split seam (see detail) and a small smudge.

Woven in narrow warp strips of rayon, formerly silk, this textile begins
and ends with a "head" of five design blocks. The name for each
Kente pattern is derived from the warp striping, though the designs in the
weft are also significant and have names. The wearing of Kente was once
the prerogative of the king and high-ranking chiefs, but today it can be
worn by other Asante on formal occasions. This size cloth is worn by a woman;
a full man's kente is usually about 7 x 11 feet.